Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

Ex-tribal chairman makes plea deal in Iowa casino theft case

OMAHA, Neb. — A former Winnebago tribal chairman in Nebraska accused of stealing money from his tribe's Iowa casino has made a plea deal with prosecutors.

Federal court records say John Blackhawk pleaded guilty Monday to willful misapplication of casino funds after prosecutors agreed to drop charges of conspiracy and wire fraud. Blackhawk is one of nine former council members accused of a conspiracy to siphon more than $327,000 from the WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4 in U.S. District Court in Omaha. Both sides have agreed to recommend that Blackhawk be given five years of probation and be ordered to pay restitution. The agreement is not binding on the judge, however.